H. Cejudo (photo) poses with his two belts. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @henry_cejudo
the american Henry Cejudo is proud to bear the nickname 'Triple C', or 'Three-Time Champion'. The title is given by the fact that the athlete holds an Olympic medal, in addition to two Ultimate belts in different categories. The fighter, however, admitted the possibility of having to give up the bantamweight (up to 61,2kg) or flyweight (up to 56,7kg) titles. At the crossroads, however, the fighter stated that he leans towards the heavier side, stating that the division is more eye-catching. The statement was made in an interview with 'ESPN'.
See too
“It’s okay,” Cejudo said of being forced to relinquish his flyweight title. “Eventually I have to leave a belt. It's stressful having to handle two weight divisions. I don't want that stress on me. Therefore, I will have to choose between the two divisions. Bantamweight looks more appetizing, to be quite honest. There's just more color, you don't have to cut as much weight, but there's a loss on my record, against 'Joe' Joseph Benavidez, which shakes me a little”, confessed the North American.
When mentioning Benavidez, Cejudo refers to a clash they had in December 2016. At the time, Henry was fighting in his sixth UFC fight and ended up defeated by his compatriot in a split decision by the judges. With competitiveness at an all-time high, the champion does not hide his desire to rematch his former rival.
In addition to the fact that Joseph was responsible for one of the two setbacks he suffered in his career, Cejudo has to put up with the fact that his former opponent is the first challenger in the flyweight rankings. Benavidez won the right to face the champion when he beat the Brazilian Jussier formiga No. UFC Minneapolis. Before facing Formiga, the UFC management had already signaled that the winner of the duel would win the right to face Henry.
Cejudo, who is recovering from a shoulder injury after winning the bantamweight title over Marlon moraes, stated that he is close to being cleared to return to training. The athlete confirmed his desire to return to acting at the beginning of 2020, but has not yet decided which of the titles he will defend.
“I don't want to make a decision until I'm 100% healthy and have a meeting with the UFC. I don't want to skip steps without knowing what's on the table, like, what's going to happen to Uncle Dana (White). They took care of me and everything, but that's something that's huge for me. This means a lot to me”, said the fighter.
Even without knowing the plans for his next fight, Henry listed three possible opponents to face alongside his return to MMA.
“Obviously, we have Joe (Joseph Benavidez), in the flyweight division and there are two guys I would love to fight in the bantamweight division: Dominick Cruz e Frankie Edgar. I want another legend”, concluded the athlete.
Comments